United Thai Nation Party (UTN) list-MP Atavit Suwanpakdee has called on the Ministry of Industry to review its decision allowing Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co Ltd to resume steel production, citing concerns about quality control and compliance with industry standards.
The Department of Industrial Works approved the factory's reopening on June 5 after a suspension of more than 18 months following an explosion, fire and multiple regulatory violations discovered in 2024.
Mr Atavit, accompanied by representatives of the Steel Traders Association, raised concerns over the company's SKY-branded steel, which has been linked to the collapse of the under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building during an earthquake in March last year.
He said investigations into the steel used in the project have yet to reach a final conclusion, making the decision to allow the factory to reopen a matter of public concern. Although the company addressed safety issues following the fire, questions remained over production standards.
Xin Ke Yuan operates an induction furnace steelmaking process that relies heavily on the quality of the scrap metal used in production.
Such facilities require a ladle refining furnace (LRF) to remove impurities and ensure steel quality, he said.
He pointed out irregularities pertaining to the environmental impact assessment documents that reportedly indicated the presence of an LRF.
However, inspections conducted when he served as an adviser to former industry minister Akanat Promphan found no such refining furnace at the plant. The MP alleged that authorities had failed to inspect every furnace before approving the reopening, despite current ministry regulations requiring comprehensive testing. He also questioned why the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, previously involved in certification, did not conduct recent quality testing.
